Households across the North West could be about to face charges for excessive use of water.
The cost is expected to be imposed on households later this year - eight years after legislation was passed to allow for such a move.
The Irish Independent are reporting this morning that the introduction the charges is a “high-level priority” for the Department of Housing.
The charges, expected to be capped at €500 per year, will apply to homes using abnormally large amounts of water.
The charges will target householders who fail to fix leaks on their property or refuse to address other preventable causes of excessive water use.
Opposition parties have already slammed the proposals.
Sligo Councillor, Donal Gilroy says efforts must be made to reduce water wastage.
The Fianna Fáil elected representative is warning however that' a one size fits all approach' is not the way to go when deciding what homes are hit with the fines.
